Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Medical Coding – A right choice for Life Science and Para Medical graduates.

Medical Coding provides tremendous opportunities to all talented Life science and Paramedical graduates who have passion for Healthcare industry. Medical Coding is among the most in-demand profession in India, USA, Philippines, UAE and various other countries.

The career opportunity in Medical Coding is tremendous for graduates with good knowledge in Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology. The work of a Medical Coder involves reading and reviewing of Medical Records and converting the diagnosis (Dx) and procedures (Px) available in the medical records into standardized codes using ICD 9 CM, CPT and HCPCS code books. The code format can be numeric and alpha numeric as available in the code books.

Medical Coding job is highly satisfactory as one has to review various health records and understanding of various diagnosis and procedures makes the job interesting. Coders have exposure to latest medical technologies and new diseases including infections, neoplasms, and various disorders related to human body.

In India Medical Coders usually work in day shifts as the work does not involve calling to US and medical records are transferred through internet and once the report is coded, it is sent again to payment posting department. However some organizations have night shifts in order to accommodate more coders.

The performance of a Medical Coder based on skills, knowledge and accuracy is continuously monitored for improvement and quality. This monitoring ensures the career growth which is directly proportional to the performance without any malpractice. If the Medical Coder is highly efficient and dedicated and has good communication skills then he or she can climb the corporate ladder rapidly.

Medical Coders with experience and certifications are highly paid compared to other life science and paramedical jobs.

ICD 9 CM is International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision Clinical Modification which is useful for coding diagnosis (Dx) and problems related to patient for which they require healthcare services.

CPT 4 is Current Procedural Terminology fourth edition used for coding procedures (Px) and services performed by the healthcare providers like physicians and surgeons to treat or diagnose the problems related to patients.

For Freshers Coding Certification is provided to individuals successfully completing Medical Coding Training Program from a recognized Training centre after attending 80 to 120 hours of Training sessions.

American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) provides CPC, CPC-H certification for experienced medical coders and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides CCA,CCS and CCS-P certification to experienced coders. Both certification exams can be taken online after attending 120 hours of Medical Coding and Billing Program from training institutes located in various cities in India.